Jake Blauvelt embodies the concept of being Off Course. Not in the sense of delinquency, but within the idea of straying from the herd in search of greener pastures. What separates Jake from others that have tried to do the same is how he actually found them.
When he made the decision to focus his riding to not just backcountry terrain, but natural features, he took considerable risk to manifest his vision of snowboarding. By no means was it easy. Where he stands today is a testament to his tenacity and commitment to make snowboarding look incredible, natural. This brings us to motivation behind Off Course, an expedition to the heart of Interior British Columbia. For three weeks in January, Jake and RIDE Snowboards brought together an eclectic group of individuals to represent snowboarding in a way that invites people into our culture through fun and friendship.
Join him in conversation, and you will see why Jake’s thoughtful, genuine nature has helped him become one of the most respected riders in professional snowboarding. And yet, it’s hard to imagine him ride down a mountain with explosive power in the way he does. Just remember where he came from, and you’ll realize that while his body may be sending a method into the abyss, he is content within the green pastures of his mind.
All photography courtesy of RIDE Snowboards and Cole Barash